Foreign media report that a series of loud explosions were heard across the Saudi Arabian capital this morning, just as Riyadh International Airport which had been closed for nearly two weeks was set to reopen today (25).
The Saudi-led coalition announced that its air defense systems successfully destroyed a large ballistic missile and two drones launched by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen. Following this attack, authorities issued warnings via mobile phone messages to residents of Riyadh, advising them to remain in safe locations due to the ongoing threat from hostile aerial activity.
In a previous, deadly attack by the Houthis targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, 13 people were killed and over 300 others were injured. This is considered the most severe attack on Saudi Arabia in over a decade, following which operations at the airport were completely suspended.
Although Riyadh Airport reopened today and some flights have resumed, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree warned that the airport remains unsafe and continues to be a military target. He urged all international and domestic airlines, as well as passengers, to avoid using King Khalid Airport, emphasizing that the Saudi authorities would be held responsible for any untoward incidents that might occur there.
Foreign media outlets, citing statements from the Houthis, report that a series of attacks were launched within the last 24 hours, targeting three Saudi airports including the one in Riyadh as well as energy infrastructure, an oil pipeline, and an airbase. Meanwhile, Saudi Civil Defense forces have launched operations following the impact of missile debris in areas near the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. However, the Houthis have denied this, dismissing Saudi claims that the holy cities of Islam were targeted as baseless.